Love and war. As this issue’s Last Word writer notes, “We fight for the things we love.” He did.

But war can separate love.

Or it can bring love together.

We have stories that illustrate both in this issue. Read how Minh Thai and Tin Huynh came together in Memphis after escaping Vietnam and how Lt. Richard “Tito” and Charlotte Lannom became separated because of Vietnam.

We also have the stories of love celebrated through weddings performed at UT Chattanooga’s historic Patten Chapel and how the UT Institute for Public Service assists veterans. Learn how UT Knoxville’s Center for Sport, Peace and Society brings rays of hope to wartorn regions through the empowerment of sport or how an alumnus found his calling as a veterinarian in the military by combining his two passions.

Join us in this issue as we share alumni stories and how the University of Tennessee impacts the world through love and war. But there are more stories in these pages. Read about the UT System’s mural project that is spreading across Tennessee and the latest UT Alumni Association and UT Foundation news.

Please let us know what you think of this issue. We enjoy hearing from you. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, where we share these stories and so much more.